Just over a decade ago, the supergroup Voodoo Gods was created. Though the birthplace is in Florida, the lineup consists of international musicians from around the globe. The diversely skilled and experienced members came together under one banner to generate some very heavy and very hostile music. In 2014, the band exchanged one epic vocalist for another. Seasoned frontman George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher from Cannibal Corpse replaced Adam “Nergal” Darski from Behemoth as the co-vocalist and soon the group released their first full-length, Anticipation For Blood Leveled in Darkness (Saturnal Records). Though it’s been six years since their last record, the band’s heat and hatred has not cooled down. Their recently released second album, The Divinity of Blood (Reaper Entertainment) wreaks havoc in a forceful, yet slightly monotonous way.
The song ‘Isa’ starts things off with a boom of growls and punchy drumwork from Alex von Poschinger. The primitive aspect of old-school Death Metal is promptly felt by the rather rough mix. Andy La Rocque from King Diamond produced, mixed, and mastered this album. He seems to have intentionally kept things choppy and also slightly segregated. As you hear the somewhat isolated movements from each player, there is a lack of fluidity, cohesion, and coordination. Maybe there is charm in each number sounding like it’s being banged out in a garage, but after a while, it starts to sour the senses. The lack of flow throughout the record exposes the struggle of their transitions and tempo. Yet, each song does present a likable straightforward aggression and amusing proclamations about the mystical.
The guitar work is the best part of this entire thing and is led by virtuoso Victor Smolski. Numbers like ‘Forever!’ and ‘From Necromancy to Paraphilia’ gush with his crushing tones of color. A highlight piece, ‘The Ritual of Thorn’ has a classic NWOBHM vibe to it. The guitars sweep with character compared to the repetitiveness that runs throughout the rest of the record. Though the riffs provide the most energy, the bass work, and vocal collaborations show off their merits on numbers like ‘Rise of the Antichrist ‘ and the title track ‘The Divinity of Blood-From Darkness to Light ‘. These boys have an adoration for the creepy and like to project their tactless malevolence in a boisterous way which comes off as juvenile. These talented musicians have tried to cram under the same banner again, but simply come off as ghoulish and self-indulgent. If you want to listen to old school Death Metal…actually listen to old school Death Metal instead of this hodgepodge of messy metal antics.
5 / 10
RAGIN ROSIE